The North Face: Patternmaker, Apparel

Now that you’ve found the job description, what’s next? At The North Face we dare to lead the world forward through Exploration. We were born to Explore, Disrupt and to Lead. We were born to Love Wild Places and to Spark Curiosity. We believe that exploration is a mindset - both on the mountain and off the mountain - and it infuses everything we do. As a community of explorers, we stay curious about new ideas, places, and people. So, before we get to the job details, take a minute to learn a little more about us – our values and our culture. If you can see yourself working side-by-side with a team of adventure-loving people, The North Face just may be the place for you.  To learn more about our values and our culture, visit The North Face Careers or www.thenorthface.com.  

Position: Patternmaker (Apparel)

What will you do? A day in the life of a Patternmaker at The North Face looks a little like this. As Patternmaker, you will be part of a growing team of fit experts that creates block pattern development, grading, Standards and SOPs, manuals, workmanship, product fit to drive product consistency for The North Face. Harness your curiosity to research new product categories and drive the development, engineering, and fit execution for technologically advanced performance products of the highest level. You will support the team on creating Global Standards and Fit Initiatives which include competitive market research, competitive product fit reviews, high level expertise in pattern construction and grading, creating, and evaluating fit blocks and analyzing consumer feedback to drive strong and consistent Brand fit. Utilize 2D Patternmaking CAD & 3D software and the Denver Proto Lab to bring new blocks and construction methods that will generate greater efficiencies and advancements in the development process.Let’s break down that day-in-the-life a bit more. 

• Support the Standard team on the creation of fit blocks that establish a recognizable fit, utilizing Gerber 2D CAD system
• Support the team on evaluating, creating and implementing standard grade rules to ensure consistency in fit
• Support the team on the development of TNF product standards and guidelines including fit intent guardrails, training documents, and grade rules
• Support seasonal block reviews with TD & Design and participate actively to fit presentations.
• Provide support in garment construction, garment technology, quality and fit, acting as a consultant on fit, sizing and pattern related topics
• Support the creation of digital assets 
• Support the development of enhancement of systems to ensure Pattern/Fit requirements are met and to improve/innovate global product creation technologies
• Participate to Global fit projects and initiatives and work closely with cross-functional teams on to understand the creative vision for each project, present findings from in depth research and analysis
• Maintain the development schedule of all projects and products to ensure a timely completion following the product development calendar
• Review, update and organize efficiently existing documents and create new ones
• Create 3D digital product utilizing designated tools, Browzwear, to provide visual representation of new silhouettes and blocks
• Increase awareness and understanding of fit and quality drivers within the organization through the education and training of key business counterparts
• In collaboration with all global pattern teams, support the consolidation of basic patterns across all BUs, ensure aligned needs of all Creation Center and is a contact for all basic pattern directions and application usage
• Interpret creative design concepts and translate aesthetic requirements into products that function for the athlete and perform to the high standards of the Brand
• Some travel overseas to manufacturers may be required

What do you need to succeed? We all have unique skills that we bring to work and celebrate every day. For this role, there are foundation skills you’ll need to succeed and excel. Additionally, while formal education in a related field is great to have, we are most interested in your 5+ years of experience in Patternmaking/Technical Design, Product Development in a medium or large size company, preferably in the outdoor industry.

The foundation skills you will need in this position are: 

• Expertise in patternmaking, fit, construction, and knowledge of grading and manufacturing processes across diverse product categories
• Able to research, develop and manage highly comple